St. Andrew's College Cambridge

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 110932 Inspection date 01 September 2005 Inspector Lisa Jane Cupples

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992. She lives with her mother and father in a house in a residential area off Stoke Road, Gosport, within close proximity to shops, park and town centre. All areas of the property can be accessed by the children, however it is working practice that the children only access the first floor of the home to use the toilet facilities. There is a rear garden area available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. At present the childminder cares for 2 children aged from 4 years to 11 years on a full

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and part-time basis. Overnight care is not included. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. There are no family pets. The childminder is able to call on her mother as an assistant on occasions, and by agreement with parents. The childminder visits local community provision on a regular basis and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet as the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating, providing well-balanced snacks for the children. The childminder discusses the needs of all children with their parents and records the details of allergies, medical and cultural needs on the children's individual registration forms. This information is used effectively to ensure appropriate snacks and meals are prepared for each child. Children are developing strong self-care skills as the childminder actively promotes very good hygiene procedures. Through discussion and daily routines children learn the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times and fully understand the reasons why. The premises are clean and well-maintained, providing a healthy environment for the children. The children benefit from a healthy lifestyle, they go to local parks and on outings allowing them to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their large muscle movement and enjoy the fresh air. Children are healthy because the childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures for recording all accidents and the administration of medication. The records are detailed and accurate, and parents always sign to acknowledge the entries, helping to keep them informed at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment because the childminder is vigilant and aware of potential hazards. Children are made aware of dangers through general conversation and daily routines, for example, they know they must hold the childminder's hand near busy roads to keep them safe. Children are able to access the resources freely, developing their independence. The toys and play materials are stored in low-level storage boxes enabling the children to make their own choices. Children play and move about easily while being supervised at all times because the room has ample floor space. Children are safe because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and would recognise the possible signs or symptoms of abuse and existing injuries are recorded to help further protect the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder provides an extensive range of equipment and play resources, which are stored in low-level boxes, enabling the children to access them freely, increasing their independence and freedom of choice. Children are confident and have good self-esteem, the childminder has a very clear understanding of children's developmental needs and she participates fully during activities, encouraging children to join in. Children have many opportunities to develop a wide range of skills and make progress in all areas in a stimulating and interesting environment. Children are valued as individuals, the childminder differentiates activities and resources effectively taking each child's abilities and needs into account. Children benefit from the childminder's strong support, she is affectionate and consistent. She organises

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the routines to ensure all children have the opportunity for one-to-one activities and group activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's effective partnership with parents. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder takes the time to get to know each child and their families. Children are happy, settled and feel valued because their individual needs are discussed during arrival and collection. Children's behaviour is very good because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder praises and encourages each child, focusing on the positives to boost their confidence and self-esteem effectively. Children understand the simple and consistent house rules, they share the toys and resources fairly, learning to show consideration for others. Children are beginning to show an understanding of the world around them, through practical activities and a range of resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are fully occupied and engaged with many play opportunities during their time at the setting, as the childminder organises the daily routines well. Children's health, safety and well-being is promoted because most documentation is detailed, accurate, up-to-date and shared with parents. Children benefit from a very well-organised, safe, secure and stimulating environment, where they are protected by solid procedures. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because resources and activities are planned well, provide sufficient challenge and the sessions are full and run smoothly. Therefore the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and the inspection process, keeping children safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure parental signatures are obtained on all required paperwork and incidents are recorded appropriately. She

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 was also asked to ensure chemicals and sharp knives are stored safely and a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen, and to extend the provision set out for children. The childminder now obtains written consent and parental signatures of acknowledgement on all relevant paperwork, and incidents are recorded in the children's individual books, ensuring the parents are fully informed at all times. Cleaning chemicals and sharp knives are stored in a high cupboard out of the reach of children and the fire blanket is now sited in the kitchen to ensure easy access in the event of a fire, helping to keep the children safe. Children now have access to a wide range of varied resources, which they select freely, encouraging and developing their independence.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure all documentation relating to children includes all necessary detail.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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